From Meals to Marathons: Interview with Marathon Runner, Hazel Asbery

For many of us the thought of running for a bus fills us with dread, let alone running a marathon. I mean, who in their right mind would want to run 26 miles for fun?! You’ll actually be surprised.

The health benefits of running are phenomenal. It strengthens your bones, increases your general fitness by getting your heart to pump blood faster through your veins, and even helps prevent heart attacks, strokes and diabetes. And that’s just the physical side of things. Let’s not forget how exercising help release endorphins and eliminate stress.

That’s one of Hazel Asbery’s favourite things about running – the kick she gets from finishing a long run and how being out in the open air with just her thoughts for company helps her relax. Two years ago Hazel was a spectator at the Brighton marathon; fast forward to 2015 and she completed the race herself! In today’s post Hazel talks fitness, food and how to get break through the dreaded “runner’s wall”.

1. What inspired you to run a marathon?

In my second year of uni I had to write up an article about the 2013 Brighton Marathon, which my friend was participating in. I watched all these people running past me as I tried to take photos, and listened to people talk about their amazing experiences during interviews, and decided that I definitely wanted to try it one day. It took me over a year to finally pluck up the courage to text my friend and say ‘Hey, let’s do it!’, but I wouldn’t look back!

2. How do you train for such a long race?

You need a lot of dedication, and it’s just as much a challenge for your mind as it is for your body. To train for such a long race you need to gradually tick off the miles, of course, but you’ve also got to train your mind to keep you going for hours on end – I think if your head isn’t in it, it’s a lot more difficult!

As for the physical training, joining a running club is a really great option – you can make new friends, get professional help and you get motivation from those around you – but if you can’t really afford that, there are so many awesome training plans out there. I followed Women’s Running’s ‘Training Plan: Your First Marathon’ and it really helped me along the way.

Hazel’s Marathon Essentials

3. What sort of food did you eat beforehand?

‘Runner’s World: The New Complete Guide to Nutrition’ became my running nutrition bible while I was training – it tells you all the foods you should eat to enhance your running, with lots of scientific background to help you understand what foods are helping your body and why. Lots of meal ideas too! It’s all about keeping a balanced diet, eating lots of protein and carbs, as well as a whole lot of vegetables.

As for the actual marathon, I ate a big bowl of spaghetti bolognese the night before, and then ate a clif bar two hours before starting the race, as well as drinking a bottle of energy drink and sipping on water. Make sure during your training that you get your body used to certain foods, and don’t decide to try something new on the day!

4. How do you motivate yourself to keep going when you hit “the wall” in a marathon?

Oh, that dreaded wall! I hit the wall at mile 17, thanks to my foot arch dropping and just emotionally feeling like I wouldn’t make it. I definitely cried…

 It’s the worst feeling but you really just have to push through it as much as you can, and stay positive. Keep reminding yourself that you can do it, and you will do it. Think back to the last time you took an energy gel or stretched your muscles, as your wall could be an easy fix like taking in a bit more energy, and honestly a positive mind will do absolute wonders.

5. And how did it feel to finally reach that finish line?

It felt so exhilarating, and very emotional. Also very painful – when you stop running your legs might seize up! I had to walk about a mile and a half to the bus station and had to get my boyfriend and mum to hold some of my weight because I just couldn’t move anymore!

But you can’t imagine how amazing it feels unless you do it. There’s such a sense of pride and achievement – it’ll take a while for it to sink in, but when it does you just want to jump around and sing about it! (Gingerly though…you have just run 26 miles haha!)

The relief and pride on finishing is even better than the medal.

6. Do you have any tips and tricks for ladies who want to start running?

Just do it! It’s so easy to say ‘I can’t run a marathon, I can’t even run for a bus’, but if I can do it, you can! I couldn’t even run two miles when I signed up for the marathon, but with perseverance and dedication, I did it. Just start slow, and gradually build up the miles.

 My biggest tip though, is to set yourself little targets while you’re doing a long run. So if you’re running say, 5 miles, don’t count down the miles – instead, know your route and picture the next part of the route you need to get to. When I ran the marathon I would think ‘right, I need to get to The Old Steine next’, then I’d get there, and tell myself the next little target to get to. Don’t physically stop when you get to these targets, but mentally tick them off! It makes the whole thing seem a lot more doable.

7. What would you say is your favourite thing about lacing up your trainers and heading out for a run?

Being outside and getting to have some time to myself. I love the feeling of fresh air and running outside – I find it so relaxing and good for the soul, and I like that running allows me to be with my own thoughts. It’s my time to think things through and get back home feeling happy, relaxed, and like I can take on the world.

For more marathon tips and tricks and yummy healthy recipes to try check out Hazel’s lifestyle blog, or follow her on Twitter. A massive thank you to Hazel for participating in this interview and sharing her secrets. You never know – maybe this time next year it will be you holding a marathon medal!